Question About Partial Transition / Low Hormone Dosage

[Guest buck]

Hello all:

Been looking for some information and can't find quite what I am looking for. I understand the types of changes that happen when you go on Testosterone, and that it is usually prescribed so as to put you through a full puberty to end up looking as male as possible.

Is there anyone who is on a purposefully low dose to achieve some masculine qualities but not live full time as male?

What I am wondering is, if you were to purposefully take a low dose of testosterone over a long period of time, would for instance your voice eventually drop completely but over a very long period of time? Or would it perhaps become lower but never go as low as it could have gone on what your doctor would have given as a regular dosage?

Would your beard grow in lightly and stay that way? Or would it continue to grow in more fully as time went on?

I don't necessarily think of myself as male, and it isn't deeply important to me at this point that everyone see me at all times as male. Although I do appreciate the few times I am taken for a man. But being seen as masculine is very important to me, and I do what I can to become more masculine. I am not sure that living as a man or fully transitioning is right for me, but am wondering about other options.

And I'm in Germany at the moment (I'm American) so it'll be a while sadly before I can talk to a doctor or therapist about my options, which I believe I will do when I get back.

Thanks!

(Hope this doesn't break forum rules--it's my first post sorry! I just want general info not dosing information... which is of course different for every body)

[Guest Zabrak]

You should talk to a doctor about these kind of things. Also, we do not discuss amounts of dosages on this forum so just be aware.

[MaryEllen]

Hello Buck,

Welcome to the forums. I'm afraid we can't advise you on what you can or cannot take for hormone dosages. we're not medical professionals so we would have no way of knowing what would be a safe dosage for you. You should see a doctor for the information you seek. Good luck.

MaryEllen

[Guest Bax]

Hello Buck! And welcome to the forum. Its true that we cannot discuss dosages on here, but I'd thought I'd just let you know that I'm pretty much in the same boat as you--I'd like to at least start out on a real low dose, and there are a few specific things I'd like to achieve (and perhaps some things I'd try to avoid as much as I can, though there's hardly such thing as picking and choosing the effects, I would believe). Right now, the incredibly difficult time I'm having building muscle is driving me near to madness, though I rather enjoy my slim, effeminate look and would like to keep some of that (such as facial hair--don't want too much of that!). Well, as soon as I finish this cursed novel and I have a life again, I plan to talk with a therapist to discuss exactly what I want and what is the best way to go about achieving that. I hope that you will be able to do the same! I just wanted to let you know you weren't alone! Back to writing

[Guest Liam]

I'm in kind of a similar boat as both of you, Bax and Buck. I'd also really like to try going on a lower dose of hormones to try to maintain some degree of androgyny, though I do plan to live full time as male regardless of what I end up looking like. I haven't been able to find information anywhere on the internet about the effects of going lo-ho. And I've asked on another online community about it, where everyone pretty much told me there's no point to going lo-ho because you'll get the same results no matter what, it just depends on how many receptors your body has or something. But that answer didn't make much sense to me. There have to be some differences, or there would be no point in being on a higher or "standard" dose. I do ultimately plan to ask whatever doctor I end up seeing about hormones, but I'm afraid that they won't know anything about it. Sometimes being in a rural area kind of sucks in that respect - you have very little choice in doctors and often they don't know as much as they should about trans health issues. So I'd like to know some stuff going in, so that some doctor who doesn't know what they're talking about doesn't try to convince me to do something I don't necessarily want to do.

[Guest buck]

Thanks for the replies--

I know I should talk to a doctor about this--like I said, I'm halfway across the world so that won't be happening for close to a year now.

It's good to know there are other people out there like me.

Never mind, then--back to your regularly scheduled forum.

[Guest CharlieRose]

How old are you? 'Cause I'm only 18 and I'm technically on like half the typical dose of hormones, and it feels like I might as well be on the full one. When you're younger you don't need as much to get the full affects. You might want to take that into consideration. I am not sure about the answers to your questions because I tried to go on a low dose and it ended up being just like a regular one.

[Guest buck]

I'm 27. I guess if I plan to do it at all I'd better be prepared to go through full puberty. No one can really know what's going to happen to you until it happens. I've read about people taking hormones for a short time and stopping, but that would leave me with the same inability to gain muscle mass, same body fat distribution, which I don't really want, although it might do some good things for me.

[Guest Zabrak]

How old are you? 'Cause I'm only 18 and I'm technically on like half the typical dose of hormones, and it feels like I might as well be on the full one. When you're younger you don't need as much to get the full affects. You might want to take that into consideration. I am not sure about the answers to your questions because I tried to go on a low dose and it ended up being just like a regular one.

Lots of effects gained depends on genetics. If you just started on HRT expect to start on a low dose to get your body use to it. Doctors will be the only ones who know were to start and when to start and how much to start with, how fast to raise your dose, if theres a point to raise your does. exc Some people get problems if left on a low dose, some poeple have problems on a high dose. This is why it is extremely risky to do anything without a doctor.

[Guest scooby]

yep-id also say see a specialist-

im doing exactly what youre asking about-but im being monitored!

i wouldnt advise anyone to do anything without a specialist!

everyones diffrent and stuff effects people diffrently sometimes!

i know its hard but its better to wait than to mess youreself up!

scooby

[Guest buck]

I would never in my wildest dreams think of doing anything to my body without seeing a doctor. That would be extremely reckless.

[Guest ChalenAustin]

Genetics are going to play a huge role.

Start out really low- after a couple of months talk about bumping it up if you aren't completely statisfied.

Just give whatever dose you're on enough time to show it's full effets so you don't end up surprised later!

I'm with Bax, Buck, Liam and ChalrieRose in this. (as far as planning how to do this for myself)

[Guest Running.Andy]

I read your question and might be able to help you some. Before I say anything further, I won't mention specific doses or anything like that. Do keep in mind though, that dosages vary from person to person. What may be low for one person may be high for another, etc. Only your doc can help you to determine through proper blood work, etc, what is right for you and you alone.

I have been on a low dose since August. My therapist first told me about it and then my doc. I am on T to lower my voice and to appear more masculine as I already pass pretty well as a guy in public, until I speak really. My voice has always been the giveaway, or when people get a close enough look.

Lately though, I have been passing a lot more often (my facial features have started to appear more masculine) and my voice is deepening.

I don't live full time as male although I'd really like to, without fully transitioning if that makes any sense. Due to my job and all, it's not really possible right now, so I hope to find a new one early next year when the economy is hopefully better.

You can't control the changes you will get on T and regardless of the dose, the masculine secondary sex characteristics will come. The lower dose only makes them come a bit slower than higher doses. For me, the slower changes make me feel more in control and allow me to take it more day by day. If my voice gets to where I want it and I am satisfied with that and my appearance, I may stop taking T. Right now, it's one day at a time for me and I've been satisfied with the changes. The physical changes I have had so far are: deepening of the voice, my jaw looks a bit more square and masculine, my arm hair has gotten longer and thicker (not darker yet), a very small bit of stubble on my chin, some clitoral growth and more upper body strength. Emotional changes are: more evened out and calmer moods, things seems to roll off my back more and my libido has shot through the roof.

I haven't had acne yet, but a few more pimples have popped up here and there. My periods have not yet stopped, but some do and some don't on what is considered a lower dosage. My doc told me that mine still might, we will just have to wait and see.

My body fat hasn't really redistributed, but then again, I am already built like a guy naturally. If you choose to stop taking T, your voice will stay deep, hair growth will stay and any clitoral enlargement will stay. Fat will redistribute back, body strength will return to the way it was before, etc.

The best advice to give you is to speak with a therapist (you'll need a therapist letter for T regardless of your dosage) and to speak with a doc. They can let you know your options and help you to find the best fit for you.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Andy

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

I've known 2 people that were on T for a while and then stopped, both were for different reasons. The changes that happened and the time frame they happened in differed substantially. From what I've seen, low doses of hormones can sometimes keep changes from happening too quickly, but there is no guarantee on that. People aren't kidding when they say that it depends on your genetics. One person basically had a full on goatee after 3 months on T. I've been on a full dose of T for a year and have decent but still patchy beard growth - far from a full, adult beard. My friend that was on a lower dose for about a year (maybe a little less) doesn't have any appreciable beard growth other than some chin and sideburn area scruff.

Another point of difficulty you will encounter comes from bias and ignorance in the medical community. If you say that you want to be on a low dose of hormones and that you do not want to fully transition, many medical professionals interpret that as you not being "decisive". Doctors are not cool with being considered outlets for another kind of body modification, which is what I imagine they perceive partial transition as. Ultimately, there are ways to get some additional masculine characteristics without hormones. Although it was more difficult without T, I was able to gain a lot of muscle by working out. The bottom line is that you should probably stay away from hormones if you aren't cool with any and all changes that could happen.

There are transmen that don't think too highly of people who want partial transition (or whatever term we want to use). There are several reasons for this which include, but are not limited to, fear that a rise in the number of those seeking partial transition will cause hormones to become less accessible to those who want full transition, prejudice and bias, and worry that having a lot of people partially transition invalidates the masculine identities others have fought so hard for. Please note that these are not necessarily my own opinions, just stuff I've read around the internet. I'm generally pretty accepting of others' differences.

With respect to voice changes, it seems like that happens suddenly for some people and more gradually for others. In my case, even though I was on what's considered a "typical" dose of T for a transman, my voice took about 3 or 4 months to change enough for people to notice. I'm told that it is still changing now. However, I've known people that had a HUGE drop right off...like within a month. Voice changes are generally permanent.

[Guest cary422]

Hello all:

Been looking for some information and can't find quite what I am looking for. I understand the types of changes that happen when you go on Testosterone, and that it is usually prescribed so as to put you through a full puberty to end up looking as male as possible.

Is there anyone who is on a purposefully low dose to achieve some masculine qualities but not live full time as male?

What I am wondering is, if you were to purposefully take a low dose of testosterone over a long period of time, would for instance your voice eventually drop completely but over a very long period of time? Or would it perhaps become lower but never go as low as it could have gone on what your doctor would have given as a regular dosage?

Would your beard grow in lightly and stay that way? Or would it continue to grow in more fully as time went on?

I don't necessarily think of myself as male, and it isn't deeply important to me at this point that everyone see me at all times as male. Although I do appreciate the few times I am taken for a man. But being seen as masculine is very important to me, and I do what I can to become more masculine. I am not sure that living as a man or fully transitioning is right for me, but am wondering about other options.

And I'm in Germany at the moment (I'm American) so it'll be a while sadly before I can talk to a doctor or therapist about my options, which I believe I will do when I get back.

Thanks!

(Hope this doesn't break forum rules--it's my first post sorry! I just want general info not dosing information... which is of course different for every body)

I"m new so I'm absolutely not qualified to give any advise, nor would I since I'm not a doctor. I'm just curious as to why you would take T at all if you "don't necessarily think of yourself as male, and it isn't deeply important."

Just wondered in case I missed anything in my own quest.

[Guest CharlieRose]

Another point of difficulty you will encounter comes from bias and ignorance in the medical community. If you say that you want to be on a low dose of hormones and that you do not want to fully transition, many medical professionals interpret that as you not being "decisive". Doctors are not cool with being considered outlets for another kind of body modification, which is what I imagine they perceive partial transition as. Ultimately, there are ways to get some additional masculine characteristics without hormones. Although it was more difficult without T, I was able to gain a lot of muscle by working out. The bottom line is that you should probably stay away from hormones if you aren't cool with any and all changes that could happen.

There are transmen that don't think too highly of people who want partial transition (or whatever term we want to use). There are several reasons for this which include, but are not limited to, fear that a rise in the number of those seeking partial transition will cause hormones to become less accessible to those who want full transition, prejudice and bias, and worry that having a lot of people partially transition invalidates the masculine identities others have fought so hard for. Please note that these are not necessarily my own opinions, just stuff I've read around the internet. I'm generally pretty accepting of others' differences.

With respect to voice changes, it seems like that happens suddenly for some people and more gradually for others. In my case, even though I was on what's considered a "typical" dose of T for a transman, my voice took about 3 or 4 months to change enough for people to notice. I'm told that it is still changing now. However, I've known people that had a HUGE drop right off...like within a month. Voice changes are generally permanent.

True, you might have difficulty from the medical community, but you might not. My doctor and therapist both understood why I wanted a lower dose. But then again both of them were REALLY experienced in transgender issues, so they'd seen lots of different transpeople. (As for the other transmen, well, some transsexuals are just grumpy like that. I've also seen some say that gay FTMs also invalidate the masculine identities they've worked so hard for. It's silly, really.)

And interesting that your voice didn't change for months. My throat started getting sore within a week of my first shot, and after a couple weeks was beginning to noticeably change. I'm 4 months now, it's changed enough so that even people who just met me a couple months ago have noticed the difference, and it's still going through phases of cracking horribly when I least expect it and being really sore. And this is on a supposedly low dose.

[Guest Zabrak]

And interesting that your voice didn't change for months. My throat started getting sore within a week of my first shot, and after a couple weeks was beginning to noticeably change. I'm 4 months now, it's changed enough so that even people who just met me a couple months ago have noticed the difference, and it's still going through phases of cracking horribly when I least expect it and being really sore. And this is on a supposedly low dose.

I started off on the lowest dose the doctor would proscribe. That month my throat hurt like hell and it felt like it would shut closed. Pretty scary - and my something down there felt weird too.

T is strong stuff, no matter what dose you're on.

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

And interesting that your voice didn't change for months. My throat started getting sore within a week of my first shot, and after a couple weeks was beginning to noticeably change. I'm 4 months now, it's changed enough so that even people who just met me a couple months ago have noticed the difference, and it's still going through phases of cracking horribly when I least expect it and being really sore. And this is on a supposedly low dose.

I'm old, so maybe that had something to do with it. Also, I think people in my family tend to be late bloomers a bit...the men at least. Who knows?

Mine is still changing even now, or at least that's what people tell me.

[Guest Zabrak]

I'm old, so maybe that had something to do with it. Also, I think people in my family tend to be late bloomers a bit...the men at least. Who knows?

Mine is still changing even now, or at least that's what people tell me.

Really? I didn't think age played a part on your voice change. I just thought genetics was what decided the deepness.

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

Really? I didn't think age played a part on your voice change. I just thought genetics was what decided the deepness.

Not sure. This is one of those things no one really knows, I imagine. Genetics matters. How tall you are matters some too; taller people generally have deeper voices. Anyway, I don't KNOW if age matters, but I can't help but wonder if my voice would be deeper or different somehow if I'd started T when I was between 18 and 21 instead of when I was 30.

[Guest Zabrak]

Not sure. This is one of those things no one really knows, I imagine. Genetics matters. How tall you are matters some too; taller people generally have deeper voices. Anyway, I don't KNOW if age matters, but I can't help but wonder if my voice would be deeper or different somehow if I'd started T when I was between 18 and 21 instead of when I was 30.

Oh I see. And I didn't know height might mean a deeper voice. Cool! Thanks for the extra info big bro.